What hidden costs should I expect with wedding flowers?
The Short Answer
The most common surprises are delivery and setup fees, same-night teardown charges, rental returns for vases and stands, and last-minute count changes. Sales tax and gratuity can also add up, so ask for a fully itemized proposal before you sign.
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Delivery, setup, and teardown
Beyond the flowers themselves, most weddings carry service fees. Delivery is priced by distance and the number of stops, since ceremony and reception may be in different places. Setup on site, especially for arches, installations, and dozens of centerpieces, takes a crew and time. Some venues require flowers and rentals removed the same night, which means a return trip and a teardown fee. These are legitimate costs, not upcharges, but they surprise couples who only budgeted for the arrangements. Ask how each is calculated up front.
Rentals and returns
Many beautiful designs rely on rented vessels: tall stands, footed compotes, mirror bases, candle holders, and arch structures. These rentals are typically returned after the event, and a missing or broken piece can incur a replacement charge. Build the rental line into your budget and clarify who is responsible for gathering and returning items at the end of the night. Our Bentley Florist team handles our own rentals and collection, which spares couples one more late-night task, but always confirm the arrangement with any vendor.
Taxes, gratuity, and last-minute changes
Sales tax applies to your floral order and is easy to overlook when comparing quotes. Gratuity for the setup crew is customary though not required, and it is thoughtful to plan for it. Finally, last-minute additions such as extra corsages or a forgotten table cost more when squeezed in after the order is placed. The best defense is an itemized proposal that lists flowers, labor, delivery, rentals, and tax separately so you see the true total from the start and can adjust before signing.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Ask how delivery, setup, and teardown are each calculated.
- Budget for rental vessels and confirm who returns them.
- Include sales tax when comparing florist quotes.
- Plan a gratuity for the setup crew if you are able.
- Lock counts early to avoid pricey last-minute additions.
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